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The Strategic Planning Master’s Degree
The definitive program for aspiring strategists — in partnership with Florida International University
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How does a Master's program boost your career in strategy?
Strategy and tactics. These days, that’s what separates the real industry leaders from the pretenders. At a time when the world can change in the blink of an eye (new tech, global pandemics, oh my), it pays to have a real, adaptable, plan.
Our Strategic Planning Master’s Degree, offered in partnership with Florida International University, trains you for that world. Rather than focusing on exclusively abstract theory, we work with the world-leading experts at FIU to provide you with a solid foundation of textbook knowledge, layered underneath a wealth of practical experience. In the end, you have it all. A portfolio from the School of Ideas, the most award-winning portfolio school in the world. A master’s degree from the prestigious Florida International University (FIU).
As for the day-to-day experience, it’s the best of both worlds. You’ll take classes at both institutions. MAD’s campus is in the heart of Wynwood, a creative environment like none you have ever seen. You will concentrate on social media and a wide range of other creative skills. You will be taught by creatives who work for agencies, brands and studios. They take time off to teach, to give back to the industry they love. And for aspiring social strategists, this is the best of all possible times for you. Social media gurus are in super demand. Content creation is exploding. Add the master’s degree from FIU to have a more complete understanding of the theoretical, strategic and research elements in the industry.
Award-Winning Student Work
Our Master’s students carry out professional-grade projects for serious, real-world clients. The results are absolutely stunning.
Ben LardDirector of Insights at Nimbly
AND M.AD Strategic Planning Grad
AND M.AD Strategic Planning Grad
“What I liked about the program was that our teachers were working industry pros. We were working on real briefs to solve real problems for real clients at top agencies… It's a learning experience like nothing else I've seen.
The Strategic Planning
Master's Curriculum
Courses at MAD & FIU.
Like learning a new language, the best way to learn your trade is through total immersion. The focus of all 12 weeks is giving you the skills, experience, and network you need to get strategy work at the world’s most competitive companies. And it all happens with an innovative curriculum of courses like these:
- Ideas First
- Video Storytelling
- Story Writing
- User Experience
- Digital Campaigns
- Pop Culture Engineering
- Understanding the Challenge
- Thinking Strategically
- Research Methodology
- Industry Heroes AP – New Business Storytelling
Want to know what else you’ll be learning? Learn more about the courses you’ll take in the course brochure.
Our Partnership
How we work with FIU to run the program.
This is a 39-semester credit, lock-step program that is completed in five consecutive semesters including summers. Students take seven courses at the FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus and six courses at the MADl Wynwood location: FIU Biscayne Bay Campus – 3000 NE 151 Street, North Miami, Florida / MAS – 571 NW 28th Street Miami, Florida 33127. Students are strongly advised and recommended not to work while pursuing the program. The program is demanding and requires time and effort. There is no flexible-curriculum available as all the courses are pre-selected for the student. Please be advised that the school enrolls and selects the schedules for the students by cohorts. Students do not have the option to change schedules.
There are no conditional admissions options for GSC-Creative track applicants. The decisions are made individually and are not granted to international applicants due to the visa regulations and the implications of the conditional status rules.
GPA’s below the 3.00 range will not be considered due to our program’s very competitive and limited nature. We evaluate GPA based on the last 60 credits taken by the applicant on their bachelor’s degree. We do not count the first 60 credits of the bachelor’s degree, only the last 60.
Interested candidates MUST apply to BOTH schools individually. Two applications are required: One for FIU and one for MAD.
The NoM.AD Experience
Our students get real-world opportunities to work with leading agencies around the world.
This program gives students the opportunity to study and intern in up to four more cities around the world. You can even opt to take classes inside an agency… or intern at a leading company in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and other cities around the world.
At last count 96% of the students had participated in our Quarter Away Program for at least one quarter. Over 80% of the students spent two or more quarters getting real-world experience.
There are dozens of opportunities available to our Strategic Planning students. You could work with:
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Berlin(eg. Vice) 
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Buenos Aires(eg. Y&R) 
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Tokyo(eg. Ogilvy) 
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New York(eg. 72andSunny) 
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Copenhagen(eg. Uncle Grey) 
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Atlanta(eg. Chemistry)
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Teachers Who Practice What They Preach
A master planner collects information like a super-computer…then synthesizes with the empathic understanding of a professional sociologist. Their ability to forecast future conditions, and to chart a path to the future, makes them an invaluable resource for any forward-thinking creative team.
So how do you learn those intangible traits that will put you over the top—in addition to the hard skills that will allow you to strategize with the best of them? It helps to have a mentor who’s been there themselves.
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Designer, Atlanta Hawks -
Chief Strategy Officer, BBDO -
Director of Brand Partnerships, Localeur -
Executive Creative Director, Chemistry
Esty GormanCreative Effectiveness Lead at Google
AND M.AD Strategy Grad
AND M.AD Strategy Grad
"M.AD gave me the foundation and the network of people. It taught me how to think critically.
Schedule A Tour At Any Miami Ad School Campus
Experience the School of Ideas for yourself.
Check out our locations in India: Mumbai and Bangalore
What It Takes To Get In
Most of our students have an undergraduate degree, and are from different backgrounds such as economics, theatre, fine arts, advertising and even political science. In fact we find that it helps bring a different perspective to the table. However, all you need to apply to this program is a high school diploma and a positive attitude!
Want to know more about course requirements? Learn more about what you’ll need to become a Strategic Planning Master’s Student in the course brochure.
How To Apply
The application is as creative as the career.
Four Stages to Apply
Step 1
The application is as creative as the career.
Enter your information and register for your M.AD School of Ideas account.
Step 2
Follow the process laid out in the application portal
Show us who you are as a creative thinker. Share examples of things you’ve
created.. Or do one of our fun creative exercises. Finally, schedule an introductory meeting with your Admissions Advisor.
Step 3
Review and Submit
Make sure all your information is correct, and that you’ve paid your application fee. We’ll get back to you soon!
Important Program Information
Tuition
Tuition is $7,970 per semester paid to FIU. Tuition is based on the semester system with 5 installments for a total of $39,850 (plus fees) for both schools.
No assistantships are offered for this program. All students must cover tuition in its entirety.
Financial Aid &
Scholarships
We work tirelessly to make MAD affordable for students of all backgrounds. For our American students, federal loans generally cover tuition costs. We also offer a variety of scholarships.
International Students
In the past decades, students have come to us from every corner of the world. If you’re worried about getting here, never fear: you’ll likely be able to attend the campus of your choice. Click for more about the visa process.
SHEFALI DHOTE
Head Corporate Relations
Have A Question? Reach Out.
Career advice with no strings
attached.
Our admissions team love to chat with people like you—answering questions, proposing solutions, and making plans for a creative future. An advisor can help you figure out what’s next in your creative adventure. Maybe that means a Master’s at M.AD. Maybe it’s ice fishing in Kathmandu. Your advisor can help you work it all out.
Download The Course Brochure
Crucial information about the Strategic Planning Master’s Direction program
- Exclusive video content
- Strategy career facts
- Average salaries
- Information on co-ops and internships
- Example projects for real brands
- Detailed application process
